Motivational Mum Prepares to Tackle Geelong

Motivational Mum Prepares to Tackle Geelong

From adversity, a mother of six leads by example with IRONMAN.

13 February 2017

It’s hard to believe that up until five years ago, mother of six Lucinda Nelson had never actually purchased a pair of running shoes in her life. Fast-forward to 2017 and the 45-year old from Avonsleigh, Victoria admits she is now addicted to long-distance triathlon.

Whilst pregnant with their sixth child, their two-year old was diagnosed and commenced treatment for aggressive bone tumours in his legs at the Monash Children’s Cancer Centre.

"The brevity of parenthood came crashing down upon me. My bubble had burst and I realised I had to be in the best possible physical health to care for my children. It was my wakeup call and within weeks of delivering my sixth baby, I began my journey to transform me."

Nelson paired up with a personal trainer who also educated her on nutrition. She then stumbled across triathlon when her older brother dared her to compete in IRONMAN 70.3 Mandurah.

"I came home from that event in love with the sport, even though it was my first ever triathlon. I began training with an endurance-focused coach who had extensive experience in full IRONMAN events, ultra-marathon running, obstacle course racing and resistance training."

Nelson has friends who have competed at IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong who speak highly of the venue and course. She feels privileged to have an IRONMAN event on her home turf.

"I’m so excited to be part of IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong as it will be my first one in true open water. My preparation for Geelong has been an extension of my recent event in Shepparton. I have maintained my three-discipline training over the Christmas period with a bit more focus on my cycling, as this is my weakest link. I’m ready to go!"

The motivational mum takes her six children and husband with her to all of her events. The whole family travels in their caravan and they turn it into a mini-holiday.

"My husband also competes, so it’s not uncommon for a grandparent to come along to help with the kids. In November, four of our children started their triathlon careers at Shepparton. It was a very emotional day for us, as our little cancer survivor, who is now seven, competed with all his might and finished with a smile from ear-to-ear."

Nelson said IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong on Sunday will be a great opportunity for her family to see her compete and do what she loves best. She said it will show her kids that whatever age or whatever life throws at you, with a bit of hard work and persistence, anything is possible.